Title 49—Transportation--Volume 1
PART 384—STATE COMPLIANCE WITH COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE PROGRAM
§ 384.101   Purpose and scope.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this part is to ensure that the States comply with the provisions of section 12009(a) of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 (49 U.S.C. 31311(a)).
(b) Scope. This part:
(1) Includes the minimum standards for the actions States must take to be in substantial compliance with each of the 22 requirements of 49 U.S.C. 31311(a);
(2) Establishes procedures for determinations to be made of such compliance by States; and
(3) Specifies the consequences of State noncompliance.
§ 384.103   Applicability.
The rules in this part apply to all States.
§ 384.105   Definitions.
(a) The definitions in part 383 of this title apply to this part, except where otherwise specifically noted.
(b) As used in this part:
CDLIS motor vehicle record (CDLIS MVR) means a report generated from the CDLIS driver record meeting the requirements for access to CDLIS information and provided by States to users authorized in § 384.225(e)(3) and (4), subject to the provisions of the Driver Privacy Protection Act, 18 U.S.C. 2721-2725.
Issue and issuance means the initial issuance, renewal or upgrade of a CLP or Non-domiciled CLP and the initial issuance, renewal, upgrade or transfer of a CDL or Non-domiciled CDL, as described in § 383.73 of this subchapter.
Licensing entity means the agency of State government that is authorized to issue drivers' licenses.
Year of noncompliance means any Federal fiscal year during which—
(1) A State fails to submit timely certification as prescribed in subpart C of this part; or
(2) The State does not meet one or more of the standards of subpart B of this part, based on a final determination by the FMCSA under § 384.307(c) of this part.
§ 384.107   Matter incorporated by reference.
(a) Incorporation by reference. Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at FMCSA and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact FMCSA at the Department of Transportation Library, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001; phone: (202) 366-0746; website: https://transportation.libanswers.com. For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. The material may be obtained from the sources in the following paragraph of this section.
(b) The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), 4401 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22203, (703) 522-1300, www.aamva.org.
(1) CDLIS State Procedures Manual c.0, SPEXS—State Pointer Exchange Services: CDLIS State Procedures Manual, Document Version c.0, released September 11, 2023; approved for §§ 384.225(f) and 384.231(d).
(2) [Reserved]
§ 384.201   Testing program.
(a) The State shall adopt and administer a program for testing and ensuring the fitness of persons to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in accordance with the minimum Federal standards contained in part 383 of this title.
(b) To obtain a copy of FMCSA pre-approved State Testing System referenced in §§ 383.131, 383.133 and 383.135, State Driver Licensing Agencies may contact: FMCSA, CDL Division, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington DC 20590.
§ 384.202   Test standards.
No State shall authorize a person to operate a CMV unless such person passes a knowledge and driving skills test for the operation of a CMV in accordance with part 383 of this title.
§ 384.203   Driving while under the influence.
(a) The State must have in effect and enforce through licensing sanctions the disqualifications prescribed in § 383.51(b) of this subchapter for driving a CMV with a 0.04 alcohol concentration.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a State to apply its criminal or other sanctions for driving under the influence to a person found to have operated a CMV with an alcohol concentration of 0.04, except licensing sanctions including suspension, revocation, or cancellation.
(c) A State that enacts and enforces through licensing sanctions the disqualifications prescribed in § 383.51(b) of this subchapter for driving a CMV with a 0.04 alcohol concentration and gives full faith and credit to the disqualification of CMV drivers by other States shall be deemed in substantial compliance with section 12009(a)(3) of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 (49 U.S.C. 31311(a)(3)).
§ 384.204   CLP or CDL issuance and information.
(a) General rule. The State shall authorize a person to operate a CMV only by issuance of a CLP or CDL, unless an exception in § 383.3(c) or (d) applies, which contains, at a minimum, the information specified in part 383, subpart J, of this subchapter.
(b) Exceptions —(1) Training. The State may authorize a person who does not hold a CDL valid for the type of vehicle in which training occurs to undergo behind-the-wheel training in a CMV only by means of a CLP issued and used in accordance with § 383.25 of this subchapter.
(2) Confiscation of CLP or CDL pending enforcement. A State may allow a CLP or CDL holder whose CLP or CDL is held in trust by that State or any other State in the course of enforcement of the motor vehicle traffic code, but who has not been convicted of a disqualifying offense under § 383.51 of this subchapter based on such enforcement, to drive a CMV while holding a dated receipt for such CLP or CDL.
§ 384.205   CDLIS information.
Before issuing a CLP or a CDL to any person, the State must, within the period of time specified in § 384.232, perform the check of the Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS) in accordance with § 383.73(b)(3)(ii) of this subchapter, and, based on that information, issue the license or, in the case of adverse information, promptly implement the disqualifications, licensing limitations, denials, and/or penalties that are called for in any applicable section(s) of this subpart.
§ 384.206   State record checks.
(a) Issuing State's records. (1) Before issuing, renewing, or upgrading a CLP or issuing, renewing, upgrading or transferring CDL to any person, the driver's State of record must, within the period of time specified in § 384.232, check its own driver records as follows:
(i) The driver record of the person in accordance with § 383.73(b)(3)(i) of this chapter; and
(ii) For a driver who certifies that his/her type of driving is non-excepted, interstate commerce according to § 383.71(b)(1)(i) of this chapter, the medical certification status information on the person's CDLIS driver record.
(2) Based on the findings of its own State record check, the State of record must do one of the following as appropriate:
(i) Issue, renew, upgrade, or transfer the applicant's CLP or CDL;
(ii) In the event the State obtains adverse information regarding the applicant, promptly implement the disqualifications, licensing limitations, denials, or penalties that are called for in any applicable section(s) of this subpart; or
(iii) In the event there is no information regarding the driver's self-certification for driving type required by § 383.71(b)(1), or for a driver who is required by § 383.71(h) to be “certified,” if the medical certification status of the individual is “non-certified,” the State must deny the CDL action requested by the applicant and initiate a downgrade of the CDL, if required by § 383.73(o)(4) of this chapter.
(b) Other States' records. (1) Before the initial or transfer issuance of a CLP or CDL to a person, and before renewing or upgrading a CLP or CDL held by any person, the issuing State must:
(i) Require the applicant to provide the names of all States where the applicant has previously been licensed to operate any type of motor vehicle during the previous 10 years.
(ii) Within the time period specified in § 384.232, request the complete driver record from all States where the applicant was licensed within the previous 10 years to operate any type of motor vehicle.
(2) States receiving a request for the driver record of a person currently or previously licensed by the State must provide the information within 30 days.
(3) Based on the findings of the other State record checks, the issuing State must, in the case of adverse information regarding the applicant, promptly implement the disqualifications, licensing limitations, denials, or penalties that are called for in any applicable section(s) of this subpart.
§ 384.207   Notification of licensing.
Within the period defined in § 383.73(h) of this subchapter, the State must:
(a) Notify the operator of the CDLIS of each CLP or CDL issuance;
(b) Notify the operator of the CDLIS of any changes in driver identification information; and
(c) In the case of transfer issuances, implement the Change State of Record transaction, as specified by the operator of the CDLIS, in conjunction with the previous State of record and the operator of the CDLIS.
§ 384.208   Notification of disqualification.
(a) No later than 10 days after disqualifying a CLP or CDL holder licensed by another State or other jurisdiction of domicile, or disqualifying an out-of-State CLP or CDL holder's privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle for at least 60 days, the State must notify the State or jurisdiction that issued the license of the disqualification via CDLIS.
(b) The notification must include both the disqualification and the violation that resulted in the disqualification, revocation, suspension, or cancellation. The notification and the information it provides must be recorded on the CDLIS driver record.
§ 384.209   Notification of traffic violations.
(a) Required notification with respect to CLP or CDL holders. (1) Whenever a person who holds a CLP or CDL from another State or other jurisdiction of domicile is convicted of a violation of any State or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than parking, vehicle weight or vehicle defect violations), in any type of vehicle, the licensing entity of the State in which the conviction occurs must notify the licensing entity in the State or jurisdiction where the driver is licensed of this conviction within the time period established in paragraph (c) of this section.
(2) Whenever a person who holds a foreign commercial driver's license is convicted of a violation of any State or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than parking, vehicle weight or vehicle defect violations), in any type of vehicle, the licensing entity of the State in which the conviction occurs must report that conviction to the Federal Convictions and Withdrawal Database.
(b) Required notification with respect to non-CDL holders. (1) Whenever a person who does not hold a CDL, but who is licensed to drive by another State or other jurisdiction of domicile, is convicted of a violation in a CMV of any State or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than a parking violation), the licensing entity of the State in which the conviction occurs must notify the licensing entity in the State or jurisdiction where the driver is licensed of this conviction within the time period established in paragraph (c) of this section.
(2) Whenever a person from a foreign country who is unlicensed or holds a foreign non-commercial driver's license is convicted of a violation in a CMV of any State or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than a parking violation), the licensing entity of the State in which the conviction occurs must report that conviction to the Federal Convictions and Withdrawal Database.
(c) Required timing of notification. Notification of traffic violations must be made within 10 days of the conviction and must be transmitted through CDLIS.
§ 384.210   Limitation on licensing.
A State must not knowingly issue a CLP, a CDL, or a commercial special license or permit (including a provisional or temporary license) permitting a person to drive a CMV during a period in which:
(a) A person is disqualified from operating a CMV, as disqualification is defined in § 383.5 of this subchapter, or under the provisions of § 383.73(j) or § 384.231(b)(2) of this subchapter;
(b) The CLP or CDL holder's noncommercial driving privilege has been disqualified; or
(c) Any type of driver's license held by such person is disqualified by the State where the driver is licensed for any State or local law related to motor vehicle traffic control (other than parking, vehicle weight or vehicle defect violations).
§ 384.211   Surrender of old licenses.
The State may not initially issue, upgrade, or transfer a CDL to a person unless such person first surrenders any previously issued driver's license and CLP.
§ 384.212   Domicile requirement.
(a) The State may issue CDLs or CLPs only to persons for whom the State is the State of domicile as defined in § 383.5 of this subchapter; except that the State may issue a Non-domiciled CLP or CDL under the conditions specified in §§ 383.23(b), 383.71(f), and 383.73(f) of this subchapter.
(b) The State must require any person holding a CDL issued by another State to apply for a transfer CDL from the State within 30 days after establishing domicile in the State, as specified in § 383.71(c) of this subchapter.
§ 384.213   State penalties for drivers of CMVs.
The State must impose on drivers of CMVs appropriate civil and criminal penalties that are consistent with the penalties prescribed under part 383, subpart D, of this subchapter.
§ 384.214   Reciprocity.
The State must allow any person to operate a CMV in the State who is not disqualified from operating a CMV and who holds a CLP or CDL that is—
(a) Issued to him or her by his/her State or jurisdiction of domicile in accordance with part 383 of this subchapter;
(b) Not disqualified; and
(c) Valid, under the terms of part 383, subpart F, of this subchapter, for the type of vehicle being driven.
§ 384.215   First offenses.
(a) General rule. The State must disqualify from operating a CMV each person who is convicted, as defined in § 383.5 of this subchapter, in any State or jurisdiction, of a disqualifying offense specified in items (1) through (8) of Table 1 to § 383.51 of this subchapter, for no less than one year.
(b) Special rule for hazardous materials offenses. If the offense under paragraph (a) of this section occurred while the driver was operating a vehicle transporting hazardous materials as defined in § 383.5, the State shall disqualify the person for no less than three years.
§ 384.216   Second offenses.
(a) General rule. The State must disqualify for life from operating a CMV each person who is convicted, as defined in § 383.5 of this subchapter, in any State or jurisdiction, of a subsequent offense as described in Table 1 to § 383.51 of this subchapter.
(b) Special rule for certain lifetime disqualifications. A driver disqualified for life under Table 1 to § 383.51 may be reinstated after 10 years by the driver's State of residence if the requirements of § 383.51(a)(6) have been met.
§ 384.217   Drug offenses.
The State must disqualify from operating a CMV for life any person who is convicted, as defined in § 383.5 of this subchapter, in any State or jurisdiction of a first offense of using a CMV (or, in the case of a CLP or CDL holder, a CMV or a non-CMV) in the commission of a felony described in item (9) of Table 1 to § 383.51 of this subchapter. The State shall not apply the special rule in § 384.216(b) to lifetime disqualifications imposed for controlled substance felonies as detailed in item (9) of Table 1 to § 383.51 of this subchapter.
§ 384.218   Second serious traffic violation.
The State must disqualify from operating a CMV for a period of not less than 60 days each person who, in a three-year period, is convicted, as defined in § 383.5 of this subchapter, in any State(s) or jurisdiction(s), of two serious traffic violations as specified in Table 2 to § 383.51.
§ 384.219   Third serious traffic violation.
The State must disqualify from operating a CMV for a period of not less than 120 days each person who, in a three-year period, is convicted, as defined in § 383.5 of this subchapter, in any State(s) or jurisdiction(s), of three serious traffic violations as specified in Table 2 to § 383.51. This disqualification period must be in addition to any other previous period of disqualification.
§ 384.220   Problem Driver Pointer System information.
Before issuing a CLP or CDL to any person, the State must, within the period of time specified in § 384.232, perform the check of the Problem Driver Pointer System in accordance with § 383.73(b)(3)(iii) of this subchapter, and, based on that information, promptly implement the disqualifications, licensing limitations, and/or penalties that are called for in any applicable section(s) of this subpart.
§ 384.221   Out-of-service regulations (intoxicating beverage).
The State shall adopt, and enforce on operators of CMVs as defined in §§ 383.5 and 390.5 of this title, the provisions of § 392.5 (a) and (c) of this title in accordance with the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program as contained in 49 CFR part 350 and applicable policy and guidelines.
§ 384.222   Violation of out-of-service orders.
The State must have and enforce laws and/or regulations applicable to drivers of CMVs and their employers, as defined in § 383.5 of this subchapter, which meet the minimum requirements of § 383.37(d), Table 4 to § 383.51, and § 383.53(b) of this subchapter.
§ 384.223   Railroad-highway grade crossing violation.
The State must have and enforce laws and/or regulations applicable to CMV drivers and their employers, as defined in § 383.5 of this subchapter, which meet the minimum requirements of § 383.37(e), Table 3 to § 383.51, and § 383.53(c) of this subchapter.
§ 384.224   Noncommercial motor vehicle violations.
The State must have and enforce laws and/or regulations applicable to drivers of non-CMVs, as defined in § 383.5 of this subchapter, which meet the minimum requirements of Tables 1 and 2 to § 383.51 of this subchapter.
§ 384.225   CDLIS driver recordkeeping.
The State must:
(a) CLP or CDL holder. Post and maintain as part of the CDLIS driver record:
(1) All convictions, disqualifications and other licensing actions for violations of any State or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than parking, vehicle weight, or vehicle defect violations) committed in any type of vehicle.
(2) The following medical certification status information:
(i) Driver self-certification for the type of driving operations provided in accordance with § 383.71(b)(1) of this chapter, and
(ii) Information from medical certification recordkeeping in accordance with § 383.73(o) of this chapter.
(3) The removal of the CLP or CDL privilege from the driver's license in accordance with § 383.73(q) of this chapter.
(b) A person required to have a CLP or CDL. Record and maintain as part of the CDLIS driver record all convictions, disqualifications and other licensing actions for violations of any State or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than parking, vehicle weight, or vehicle defect violations) committed while the driver was operating a CMV.
(c) Make CDLIS driver record information required by this section available to the users designated in paragraph (e) of this section, or to their authorized agent, within 10 days of:
(1) Receiving the conviction or disqualification information from another State; or
(2) The date of the conviction, if it occurred in the same State.
(d) Retain on the CDLIS driver record record all convictions, disqualifications and other licensing actions for violations for at least 3 years or longer as required under § 384.231(d).
(e) Only allow the following users or their authorized agents to receive the designated information:
(1) States—All information on all CDLIS driver records.
(2) Secretary of Transportation—All information on all CDLIS driver records.
(3) Driver—All information on that driver's CDLIS driver record obtained on the CDLIS Motor Vehicle Record from the State according to its procedures.
(4) Motor Carrier or Prospective Motor Carrier—After notification to a driver, all information on that driver's, or prospective driver's, CDLIS driver record obtained on the CDLIS Motor Vehicle Record from the State according to its procedures.
(f) Ensure the content of the report provided a user authorized by paragraph (e) of this section from the CDLIS driver record is comparable to the report that would be generated by a CDLIS State-to-State request for a CDLIS driver history, as defined in the “CDLIS State Procedures Manual” (incorporated by reference, see § 384.107(b)), and must include the medical certification status information of the driver in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. This does not preclude authorized users from requesting a CDLIS driver status.
§ 384.226   Prohibition on masking convictions.
The State must not mask, defer imposition of judgment, or allow an individual to enter into a diversion program that would prevent a CLP or CDL holder's conviction for any violation, in any type of motor vehicle, of a State or local traffic control law (other than parking, vehicle weight, or vehicle defect violations) from appearing on the CDLIS driver record, whether the driver was convicted for an offense committed in the State where the driver is licensed or another State.
§ 384.227   Record of digital image or photograph.
The State must:
(a) Record the digital color image or photograph or black and white laser engraved photograph that is captured as part of the application process and placed on the licensing document of every person who is issued a CDL, as required under § 383.153. The digital color image or photograph or black and white laser engraved photograph must either be made part of the driver history or be linked to the driver history in a separate file.
(b) Check the digital color image or photograph or black and white laser engraved photograph on record whenever the CDL applicant or holder appears in person to renew, upgrade, or transfer a CDL and when a duplicate CDL is issued.
(c) Check the digital color image or photograph or black and white laser engraved photograph on record whenever the CLP applicant or holder appears in person to issue, renew or upgrade a CLP and when a duplicate CLP is issued.
(d) If no digital color image or photograph or black and white laser engraved photograph exists on record, the State must check the photograph or image on the base-license presented with the CLP or CDL application.
§ 384.228   Examiner training and record checks.
For all State and third-party CDL test examiners, the State must meet the following 10 requirements:
(a) Establish examiner training standards for initial and refresher training that provides CDL test examiners with a fundamental understanding of the objectives of the CDL testing program, and with all of the knowledge and skills necessary to serve as a CDL test examiner and assist jurisdictions in meeting the Federal CDL testing requirements.
(b) Require all State knowledge and skills test examiners to successfully complete a formal CDL test examiner training course and examination before certifying them to administer CDL knowledge and skills tests.
(c) The training course for CDL knowledge test examiners must cover at least the following three units of instruction:
(1) Introduction to CDL Licensing System:
(i) The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986.
(ii) Drivers covered by CDL program.
(iii) CDL vehicle classification.
(iv) CDL endorsements and restrictions.
(2) Overview of the CDL tests:
(i) CDL test, classifications, and endorsements.
(ii) Different examinations.
(iii) Representative vehicles.
(iv) Validity and reliability.
(v) Test maintenance.
(3) Knowledge tests:
(i) General knowledge tests.
(ii) Specialized knowledge tests.
(iii) Selecting the appropriate tests and test forms.
(iv) Knowledge test administration.
(d) The training course for CDL skills test examiners must cover at least the following five units of instruction:
(1) Introduction to CDL Licensing System:
(i) The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986.
(ii) Drivers covered by CDL program.
(iii) CDL vehicle classification.
(iv) CDL endorsements and restrictions.
(2) Overview of the CDL tests:
(i) CDL test, classifications, and endorsements.
(ii) Different examinations.
(iii) Representative vehicles.
(iv) Validity and reliability.
(v) Test maintenance.
(3) Vehicle inspection test:
(i) Test overview.
(ii) Description of safety rules.
(iii) Test scoring procedures.
(iv) Scoring standards.
(v) Calculating final score.
(4) Basic control skills testing:
(i) Setting up the basic control skills course.
(ii) Description of safety rules.
(iii) General scoring procedures.
(iv) Administering the test.
(v) Calculating the score.
(5) Road test:
(i) Setting up the road test.
(ii) Required maneuvers.
(iii) Administering the road test.
(iv) Calculating the score.
(e) Require all third-party skills test examiners to successfully complete a formal CDL test examiner training course and examination before certifying them to administer CDL skills tests. The training course must cover at least the five units of instruction in paragraph (d) of this section.
(f) Require State and third-party CDL test examiners to successfully complete a refresher training course and examination every four years to maintain their CDL test examiner certification. The refresher training course must cover at least the following:
(1) For CDL knowledge test examiners, the three units of training described in paragraph (c) of this section.
(2) For CDL skills test examiners, the five units of training described in paragraph (d) of this section.
(3) Any State specific material and information related to administering CDL knowledge and skills tests.
(4) Any new Federal CDL regulations, updates to administering the tests, and new safety related equipment on the vehicles.
(g) Complete nationwide criminal background check of all skills test examiners prior to certifying them to administer CDL skills tests.
(h)(1) Complete nationwide criminal background check of all State and third-party test examiners at the time of hiring.
(2) Complete nationwide criminal background check of any State and third-party current test examiner who has not had a nationwide criminal background check.
(3) Criteria for not passing the criminal background check must include at least the following:
(i) Any felony conviction within the last 10 years; or
(ii) Any conviction involving fraudulent activities.
(i) Maintain a record of the results of the criminal background check and CDL examiner test training and certification of all CDL test examiners.
(j) Rescind the certification to administer CDL tests of all test examiners who do not successfully complete the required refresher training every 4 years.
(k) The eight units of training described in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section may be supplemented with State-specific material and information related to administering CDL knowledge and skills tests.
§ 384.229   Skills test examiner auditing and monitoring.
To ensure the integrity of the CDL skills testing program, the State must:
(a) At least once every 2 years, conduct unannounced, on-site inspections of third-party testers' and examiners' records, including comparison of the CDL skills test results of applicants who are issued CDLs with the CDL scoring sheets that are maintained in the third-party testers' files;
(b) At least once every 2 years, conduct covert and overt monitoring of examinations performed by State and third-party CDL skills test examiners.
(c) Establish and maintain a database to track pass/fail rates of applicants tested by each State and third-party CDL skills test examiner, in order to focus covert and overt monitoring on examiners who have unusually high pass or failure rates;
(d) Establish and maintain a database of all third-party testers and examiners, which at a minimum tracks the dates and results of audits and monitoring actions by the State, the dates third-party testers were certified by the State, and name and identification number of each third-party CDL skills test examiner;
(e) Establish and maintain a database of all State CDL skills examiners, which at a minimum tracks the dates and results of monitoring action by the State, and the name and identification number of each State CDL skills examiner; and
(f) Establish and maintain a database that tracks skills tests administered by each State and third-party CDL skills test examiner's name and identification number.
§ 384.230   Entry-level driver certification.
(a) Beginning on February 7, 2022, a State must comply with the requirements of § 383.73(b)(11) and (e)(9) of this subchapter to verify that the applicant completed the training prescribed in subpart F of part 380 of this subchapter.
(b)(1) A State may issue a CDL to individuals who obtain a CLP before February 7, 2022, who have not complied with subpart F of part 380 of this subchapter so long as they obtain a CDL before the CLP or renewed CLP expires.
(2) A State may not issue a CDL to individuals who obtain a CLP on or after February 7, 2022, unless they comply with subpart F of part 380 of this subchapter.
§ 384.231   Satisfaction of State disqualification requirement.
(a) Applicability. The provisions of §§ 384.203, 384.206(b), 384.210, 384.213, 384.215 through 384.219, 384.221 through 384.224, and 384.231 of this part apply to the State of licensure of the person affected by the provision. The provisions of § 384.210 of this part also apply to any State to which a person makes application for a transfer CDL.
(b) Required action —(1) CLP or CDL holders. A State must satisfy the requirement of this subpart that the State disqualify a person who holds a CLP or a CDL by, at a minimum, disqualifying the person's CLP or CDL for the applicable period of disqualification.
(2) A person required to have a CLP or CDL. A State must satisfy the requirement of this subpart that the State disqualify a person required to have a CLP or CDL who is convicted of an offense or offenses necessitating disqualification under § 383.51 of this subchapter. At a minimum, the State must implement the limitation on licensing provisions of § 384.210 and the timing and recordkeeping requirements of paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section so as to prevent such a person from legally obtaining a CLP or CDL from any State during the applicable disqualification period(s) specified in this subpart.
(c) Required timing. The State must disqualify a driver as expeditiously as possible.
(d) Recordkeeping requirements. The State must conform to the requirements of the CDLIS State Procedures Manual (incorporated by reference in § 384.107(b).) These requirements include the maintenance of such driver records and driver identification data on the CDLIS as the FMCSA finds are necessary to the implementation and enforcement of the disqualifications called for in §§ 384.215 through 384.219, and 384.221 through 384.224 of this part.
§ 384.232   Required timing of record checks.
The State shall perform the record checks prescribed in §§ 384.205, 384.206, and 384.220, no earlier than 10 days prior to issuance for licenses issued before October 1, 1995. For licenses issued after September 30, 1995, the State shall perform the record checks no earlier than 24 hours prior to issuance if the license is issued to a driver who does not currently possess a valid CDL from the same State and no earlier than 10 days prior to issuance for all other drivers.
§ 384.233   Background records checks.
(a) The State shall comply with Transportation Security Administration requirements concerning background records checks for drivers seeking to obtain, renew, transfer or upgrade a hazardous materials endorsement in 49 CFR Part 1572, to the extent those provisions impose requirements on the State.
(b) The State shall comply with each requirement of 49 CFR 383.141.
§ 384.234   Driver medical certification recordkeeping.
The State must meet the medical certification recordkeeping requirements of § 383.73(a)(2)(vii), (b)(5), (c)(8), (d)(8), (e)(6) and (o).
§ 384.235   Commercial driver's license Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
Beginning November 18, 2024, the State must:
(a) Request information from the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse in accordance with § 383.73 of this chapter and comply with the applicable provisions therein; and
(b)(1) Comply with § 383.73(q) of this chapter upon receiving notification from FMCSA that, pursuant to § 382.501(a) of this chapter, the driver is prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle; and
(2) Comply with § 383.73(q) of this chapter upon receiving notification from FMCSA that, pursuant to § 382.503(a) of this chapter, the driver is no longer prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle; or that FMCSA erroneously identified the driver as prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle.
§ 384.236   Entry-level driver training provider notification.
The State must meet the entry-level driver training provider notification requirement of § 383.73(p).
§ 384.301   Substantial compliance-general requirements.
(a) To be in substantial compliance with 49 U.S.C. 31311(a), a State must meet each and every standard of subpart B of this part by means of the demonstrable combined effect of its statutes, regulations, administrative procedures and practices, organizational structures, internal control mechanisms, resource assignments (facilities, equipment, and personnel), and enforcement practices.
(b)(1) A State must come into substantial compliance with the requirements of subpart B of this part in effect as of September 30, 2002 as soon as practical, but, unless otherwise specifically provided in this part, not later than September 30, 2005.
(2) Exception. A State must come into substantial compliance with 49 CFR 383.123 not later than September 30, 2006.
(c) A State must come into substantial compliance with the requirements of subpart B of this part in effect as of September 4, 2007 as soon as practical but, unless otherwise specifically provided in this part, not later than September 4, 2010.
(d) A State must come into substantial compliance with the requirements of subpart B of this part in effect as of January 30, 2009, as soon as practical, but not later than January 30, 2012.
(e) A State must come into substantial compliance with the requirements of subpart B of this part in effect as of October 27, 2010 as soon as practical, but not later than October 28, 2013.
(f) A State must come into substantial compliance with the requirements of subpart B of this part in effect as of July 8, 2011 and April 24, 2013 as soon as practical but, unless otherwise specifically provided in this part, not later than July 8, 2015.
(g) A State must come into substantial compliance with the requirements of subpart B of this part, which is effective as of December 5, 2011, as soon as practicable, but not later than January 30, 2012.
(h) A State must come into substantial compliance with the requirements of subpart B of this part in effect as of January 3, 2012) as soon as practical, but not later than January 3, 2015.
(i) A State must come into substantial compliance with the requirements of subpart B of this part and part 383 of this chapter in effect as of June 22, 2015, as soon as practical, but, unless otherwise specifically provided in this part, not later than June 23, 2025.
(j) A State must come into substantial compliance with the requirements of subpart B of this part and part 383 of this chapter in effect as of December 12, 2016 as soon as practicable, but, unless otherwise specifically provided in this part, not later than December 12, 2019.
(k) A State must come into substantial compliance with the requirements of subpart B of this part and part 383 of this chapter in effect as of February 6, 2017, but not later than February 7, 2022.
(l) A State must come into substantial compliance with the requirements of subpart B of this part and part 383 of this chapter in effect as of November 27, 2018 as soon as practicable, but, unless otherwise specifically provided in this part, not later than November 27, 2021.
(m) A State must come into substantial compliance with the requirements of part 383 of this chapter in effect as of September 23, 2019, or as soon as practicable, but not later than September 23, 2022.
(n) A State must come into substantial compliance with the requirements of this part in effect as of August 23, 2021, as soon as practicable, but not later than August 22, 2024.
(o) A State must come into substantial compliance with the requirements of subpart B of this part and part 383 of this chapter in effect as of November 8, 2021, as soon as practicable, but, unless otherwise specifically provided in this part, not later than November 18, 2024.
(p) A State must come into substantial compliance with the requirements of subpart B of this part, which is effective as of July 15, 2024, as soon as practicable, but not later than August 22, 2024.
§ 384.303   [Reserved]
§ 384.305   State certifications for Federal fiscal years after FY 1994.
(a) Certification requirement. Prior to January 1 of each Federal fiscal year after FY 1994, each State shall review its compliance with this part and certify to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator as prescribed in paragraph (b) of this section. The certification shall be submitted as a signed original and four copies to the Division Administrator/State Director or Officer-in-Charge, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, located in that State.
(b) Certification content. The certification shall consist of a statement signed by the Governor of the State, or by an official designated by the Governor, and reading as follows: “I (name of certifying official), (position title), of the State (Commonwealth) of ______, do hereby certify that the State (Commonwealth) has continuously been in substantial compliance with all requirements of 49 U.S.C. 31311(a), as defined in 49 CFR 384.301, since [the first day of the current Federal fiscal year], and contemplates no changes in statutes, regulations, or administrative procedures, or in the enforcement thereof, which would affect such substantial compliance through [the last date of the current Federal fiscal year].”
§ 384.307   FMCSA program reviews of State compliance.
(a) FMCSA Program Reviews. Each State's CDL program will be subject to review to determine whether or not the State meets the general requirement for substantial compliance in § 384.301. The State must cooperate with the review and provide any information requested by the FMCSA.
(b) Preliminary FMCSA determination and State response. If, after review, a preliminary determination is made either that the State has not submitted the required annual self-certification or that the State does not meet one or more of the minimum standards for substantial compliance under subpart B of this part, the State will be informed accordingly.
(c) Reply. The State will have up to 30 calendar days to respond to the preliminary determination. The State's reply must explain what corrective action it either has implemented or intends to implement to correct the deficiencies cited in the notice or, alternatively, why the FMCSA preliminary determination is incorrect. The State must provide documentation of corrective action as required by the agency. Corrective action must be adequate to correct the deficiencies noted in the program review and be implemented on a schedule mutually agreed upon by the agency and the State. Upon request by the State, an informal conference will be provided during this time.
(d) Final FMCSA determination. If, after reviewing a timely response by the State to the preliminary determination, a final determination is made that the State is not in compliance with the affected standard, the State will be notified of the final determination. In making its final determination, the FMCSA will take into consideration the corrective action either implemented or planned to be implemented in accordance with the mutually agreed upon schedule.
(e) State's right to judicial review. Any State aggrieved by an adverse decision under this section may seek judicial review under 5 U.S.C. Chapter 7.
§ 384.309   Results of compliance determination.
(a) A State shall be determined not substantially in compliance with 49 U.S.C. 31311(a) for any fiscal year in which it:
(1) Fails to submit the certification as prescribed in this subpart; or
(2) Does not meet one or more of the standards of subpart B of this part, as established in a final determination by the FMCSA under § 384.307(d).
(b) A State shall be in substantial compliance with 49 U.S.C. 31311(a) for any fiscal year in which neither of the eventualities in paragraph (a) of this section occurs.
§ 384.401   Withholding of funds based on noncompliance.
(a) Following the first year of noncompliance. An amount up to 4 percent of the Federal-aid highway funds required to be apportioned to any State under 23 U.S.C. 104(b)(1) and (2) shall be withheld from a State on the first day of the fiscal year following such State's first year of noncompliance under this part.
(b) Following second and subsequent year(s) of noncompliance. An amount up to 8 percent of the Federal-aid highway funds required to be apportioned to any State under 23 U.S.C. 104(b)(1) and (2) shall be withheld from a State on the first day of the fiscal year following such State's second or subsequent year(s) of noncompliance under this part.
§ 384.403   Availability of funds withheld for noncompliance.
Federal-aid highway funds withheld from a State under § 384.401(a) or (b) of this subpart shall not thereafter be available for apportionment to the State.
§ 384.405   Decertification of State CDL program.
(a) Prohibition on CLP or CDL transactions. The Administrator shall prohibit a State found to be in substantial noncompliance from performing any of the following CLP or CDL transactions:
(1) Initial issuance.
(2) Renewal.
(3) Transfer.
(4) Upgrade.
(b) Conditions considered in making decertification determination. The Administrator will consider, but is not limited to, the following five conditions in determining whether the CDL program of a State in substantial noncompliance should be decertified:
(1) The State computer system does not check the Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS) and/or national Driver Registry problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS) as required by § 383.73 of this subchapter when issuing, renewing or upgrading a CLP or issuing, renewing, upgrading or transferring a CDL.
(2) The State does not disqualify drivers convicted of disqualifying offenses in commercial motor vehicles.
(3) The State does not transmit convictions for out-of-State drivers to the State where the driver is licensed.
(4) The State does not properly administer knowledge and/or skills tests to CLP or CDL applicants or drivers.
(5) The State fails to submit a corrective action plan for a substantial compliance deficiency or fails to implement a corrective action plan within the agreed time frame.
(c) Standard for considering deficiencies. The deficiencies described in paragraph (b) of this section must affect a substantial number of either CLP and CDL applicants or drivers.
(d) Decertification: Preliminary determination. If the Administrator finds that a State is in substantial noncompliance with subpart B of this part, as indicated by the factors specified in paragraph (b) of this section, among other things, the FMCSA will inform the State that it has made a preliminary determination of noncompliance and that the State's CDL program may therefore be decertified. Any response from the State, including factual or legal arguments or a plan to correct the noncompliance, must be submitted within 30 calendar days after receipt of the preliminary determination.
(e) Decertification: Final determination. If, after considering all material submitted by the State in response to the FMCSA preliminary determination, the Administrator decides that substantial noncompliance exists, which warrants decertification of the CDL program, he/she will issue a decertification order prohibiting the State from issuing CLPs and CDLs until such time as the Administrator determines that the condition(s) causing the decertification has (have) been corrected.
(f) Recertification of a State. The Governor of the decertified State or his/her designated representative must submit a certification and documentation that the condition causing the decertification has been corrected. If the FMCSA determines that the condition causing the decertification has been satisfactorily corrected, the Administrator will issue a recertification order, including any conditions that must be met in order to begin issuing CLPs and CDLs in the State.
(g) State's right to judicial review. Any State aggrieved by an adverse decision under this section may seek judicial review under 5 U.S.C. Chapter 7.
(h) Validity of previously issued CLPs or CDLs. A CLP or CDL issued by a State prior to the date the State is prohibited from issuing CLPs or CDLs in accordance with provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, will remain valid until its stated expiration date.
§ 384.407   [Reserved]
§ 384.409   Notification of noncompliance.
If FMCSA determines that a State is not in substantial compliance with § 384.209, or if FMCSA issues a decertification order prohibiting a State from issuing commercial driver's licenses, FMCSA will notify commercial learner's permit and commercial driver's license holders of these actions by publication of a Federal Register notice. The notification will advise commercial learner's permit and commercial driver's license holders that they must comply with the self-reporting requirements of § 383.31(a) with respect to convictions obtained in that State until such time that FMCSA determines the State to be in substantial compliance.